Kathryn Tart, founding dean of the UHV School of Nursing, said having a Sigma Theta Tau chapter was a dream of the faculty since the university began its nursing program in 2006.

"Hospital directors have called to ask if we have a chapter," Tart said. "This has always been something I supported. It's the only international honor society in our profession. There's nothing else like this."

Sigma Theta Tau was founded in 1922 and has chapters in 86 countries with about 130,000 active members.

The society contributes more than $200,000 annually to nursing research through grants, scholarships and monetary awards.

UHV partnered with the leadership team of the Beta Beta Houston Texas Woman's University Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau during the application process.

To be a member of Phi Chi, students in Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Second Degree BSN programs must complete at least half of the nursing curriculum, compile a 3.0 grade-point average or higher and rank in the top 35 percent of their graduating class.